Chapter 71: Andrew's Fierce Battle

The forest was eerily silent as Andrew led his team through the underbrush. Every sense was on high alert, his wolf prowling just beneath the surface of his skin, ready to burst forth at a moment's notice. Beside him, Jessica moved with a newfound grace, her hands glowing faintly with moonlight.

They were implementing Michael's strategy, acting as bait to draw out the Shadow Walkers. It was a risky plan, but Andrew had faith in Michael's tactical brilliance. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.

"Stay close," he murmured to Jessica, his protective instincts in overdrive. "Remember, your light is our best defense against these bastards."

Jessica nodded, her face set with determination. "I'm ready."

They had barely taken another step when the attack came. The shadows themselves seemed to come alive, writhing and twisting into nightmarish forms. Andrew's wolf exploded from his skin, a snarl ripping from his throat as he lunged at the nearest attacker.

"Now, Jessica!" he roared as he grappled with the shadow creature.

Jessica's light flared, bright and pure. The Shadow Walkers hissed and recoiled, their forms becoming more solid as the light drove away their darkness. It was the opening Andrew and his team needed.

The clearing erupted into chaos. Wolves clashed with shadow creatures, teeth and claws tearing into suddenly vulnerable flesh. Andrew was a whirlwind of fury, his massive wolf form barreling through the enemy ranks.

But for every Shadow Walker they took down, two more seemed to materialize from the darkness. Andrew felt a growing sense of dread. This was more than just an attack – it was an ambush.

"Fall back!" he ordered, realizing they were in danger of being overwhelmed. "Jessica, cover our retreat!"

As they began to withdraw, Andrew saw a flicker of movement from the corner of his eye. A Shadow Walker, larger and more menacing than the others, was lunging straight for Jessica.

Time seemed to slow. Andrew knew he was too far away to intercept. Jessica turned, her eyes widening in fear as she saw the creature bearing down on her. In that moment, Andrew felt something inside him snap.

With a roar that shook the very trees, Andrew charged. He crossed the distance in impossible time, his body moving faster than he'd ever thought possible. Just as the Shadow Walker's claws were about to reach Jessica, Andrew slammed into it with the force of a freight train.

They went down in a tangle of fur and shadow, rolling across the forest floor. Andrew felt the creature's claws raking across his side, leaving trails of icy pain. But he didn't let go. Couldn't let go. All he could think about was keeping Jessica safe.

"Andrew!" Jessica's voice cut through the haze of battle rage. "Hold it still!"

Understanding flashed through him. With a supreme effort, Andrew pinned the Shadow Walker to the ground, exposing its writhing form to the sky.

Jessica's light came down like a hammer, concentrated and devastating. The Shadow Walker let out an unearthly shriek as the moonlight tore through its form, dissolving it into nothingness.

As the last wisps of shadow faded away, Andrew collapsed, his wolf form melting back into his human shape. The pain from his wounds hit him full force, and he gasped, the world spinning around him.

"Andrew! Oh god, Andrew, stay with me!" Jessica was at his side in an instant, her hands pressing against his wounds, trying to staunch the bleeding.

Through the haze of pain, Andrew looked up at her, a weak smile on his face. "You okay?" he managed to rasp out.

Jessica let out a choked laugh, tears streaming down her face. "Am I okay? You idiot, you almost got yourself killed!"

Andrew tried to shrug, wincing at the movement. "Couldn't let anything happen to you. You're too important."

As the rest of the team gathered around them, Andrew felt the familiar warmth of David's healing energy washing over him. The pain began to recede, but exhaustion was quickly taking its place.

"We need to get him back to the pack house," David said urgently. "These wounds... they're resisting my healing. It's like the shadow left something behind."

As they carefully lifted Andrew onto a makeshift stretcher, Jessica refused to leave his side. Her hand found his, squeezing tightly.

"Stay with me, Andrew," she whispered fiercely. "That's an order from your Luna."

Despite the pain and fatigue, Andrew felt a warmth bloom in his chest. He'd always been the protector, the fierce enforcer. But in that moment, being cared for by Jessica, he felt a different kind of strength.

As they made their way back to safety, Andrew drifted in and out of consciousness. But through it all, he held onto Jessica's hand like a lifeline. He'd faced down death for her, and he'd do it again in a heartbeat.

The battle was far from over. The Shadow Walkers were still out there, and the traitor in their midst remained undiscovered. But Andrew had found something in the heat of battle – a fierce, unshakeable certainty.

No matter what came next, no matter what darkness they faced, he would stand by Jessica's side. Not just as a protector, but as a partner. Together, they would face the shadows. And together, they would emerge into the light.